Random Musings

Well another month plus has slipped by without my chiming in. Not that there hasn't been anything newsworthy at the MGA or in golf, but it was a fairly busy finish to the season.

Firstly, condolences to the Pitts family as they lost their patriarch, Fordie, this week. I can't say that I knew him well other than to know that he was a golfing legend in the state over a very long period of time. There is a great article by Nate Crossman from The Patriot Ledger that was posted on the MGA web site. I know that he had many, many friends and I'm sure it will be fully evident to his family at the wake and funeral services.

The MGA season has finally wound down. It was a great finish to the season at the Senior Amateur at Salem the last week of September with Paul Murphy capturing his first individual MGA title. Talk about a player who's been on the scene a long time competing at a high level, that's definitely Murph. Well deserved.

The Tri-State Matches were another romp for Team Mass. Pleasant Valley Country Club was the scene for the 6th straight win for Team MGA. The guys played extremely well especially in the foursomes format on the first day. Mass is so deep right now that if CT and RI are missing any of their top guns (they were), then it really is an uphill battle for them. Aside from the competition, the Tri-States are just a great couple of days of camaraderie. It's a feather in the cap for the 12 players from each state who make their respective teams. It means they've played well all year and earned a spot on the team. This is the first year that each team expanded from 10 to 12 players. Traditionally, each team comprised eight mid-am players and two seniors. With the explosion of senior golf the three state associations got together after last year's matches and agreed to add two more seniors per state beginning in 2009. It was very well received by all involved.

I have to admit that I didn't get too jazzed up about the Presidents Cup. As one golf writer put it, "it's not even Ryder Cup Lite." The Internationals need to get more competitive in order for it to be a little more compelling. It certainly put exlamation marks on the years of Tiger and Steve Stricker, though.

Rickie Fowler has certainly proven to be the real deal since turning pro after the Walker Cup. He's already earned enough money to be partially exempt for next year and is now exempt to the finals of Q-School. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if he locked up his 2010 full card this week and thereby bypassing Q-school altogether. Either way, this kid is going to be a force. I love that he has a home-made sort of swing that relies on feel. Definitely old school. Here's a link to a great article from Golfchannel.com talking about the evolution of Rickie's swing.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/tour-insider/quick-barry-mcdonnell-33410/

Two other big developments on the bigger golf scene have been the approval of golf as an Olympic sport and the naming of a new LPGA commissioner. I think it's almost impossible to overstate the significance of golf making it to the Olympics. Even though the game has leveled off here and many clubs are struggling in the USA, the impact for the game worldwide is going to be huge. And I think the trickle down effect will eventually add new energy to the game here in the states. The appointment of new LPGA Commissioner, Michael Whan, comes at a critical time for the LPGA. It's quite telling that they hired a marketing expert who is an unknown quantity to most in golf circles. I'll admit, I'd never heard of the guy. I hope he can turn things around and repair some of the damaged relationships with tournament sponsors. The ladies' tour has a great product, so hopefully Mr. Whan can get them firing on all cylinders before too long.

We're busy putting 2009 to bed here at the MGA while also planning for 2010. All the sites for the 2010 championship proper schedule are in place, and we're working to finalize all the qualifying sites. Hopefully we'll be just about there by Thanksgiving.